Rep. Gottheimer calls for more air traffic controllers on Day 9 of Newark Liberty delays
Rep. Josh Gottheimer also called for emergency funding to upgrade the system.
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Tuesday was the ninth consecutive day of delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport due to an air traffic controller shortage.
Most of those delays and cancellations are happening with United Airlines. The company has cut 35 daily flights amid the airport issues.
The United CEO stated that 20% of air traffic controllers serving Newark walked off the job last week due to equipment issues.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) – a New Jersey gubernatorial candidate – is demanding that the Trump administration immediately deploy more controllers to cover Newark Liberty. He also called for emergency funding to upgrade the system.
RELATED: Flight delays, cancellations persist at Newark Liberty. Here’s what you should know
The congressman’s comments come following Gov. Phil Murphy stating that the underinvestment of maintenance and inadequate air traffic control staffing has resulted in a frail system.
Gottheimer shared that 225 flights were canceled and more than 950 were delayed this past weekend.
“We must immediately, immediately surge our investment and fix the technology issues at Newark airport and other airports around the country. We cannot wait a day longer to get to work to fix the technology issues at Newark airport,” Gottheimer said.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that although the technology is outdated, flying is safe. He is expected to announce a plan for a new air traffic control system next week.
